A list of dog-friendly beaches in NJ

Seaside Heights was poised to make a huge mistake. Having your dog on the beach in the off-season is one thing. Seaside Heights considering allowing dogs on the boardwalk year round was quite another. There was a pilot program in the works that would have allowed pooches on the boards from 6am to 9pm the whole year. Yes, that would mean during the crowded summer season. I found this to be a ridiculous idea that can bring about problems so obvious I'm not going to even bother stating them.

If you just have to bring your dog along, why not drop down a little bit south and go to Island Beach State Park. Your pet can tag along with you on a 6 foot leash except for the lifeguarded portion of the beach. And that's during the summer!

Here's a rundown of some Jersey beaches that will allow your dog and what time of year they are welcome. Many of these are outside the summer months so have your dog enjoy these places while you can.

Avon-by-the-Sea
Dogs are on leashes are allowed on the beach from Oct. 1 through May 1.

Asbury Park
Dogs are okay on the beach and even the boardwalk but only from Oct. 1 through April 30. But did you know all summer long you can take your dog to the 8th Avenue Dog Beach? Dogs are even allowed to go off leash on that stretch of beach from 6pm until 8:30am.

Barnegat Light
The beach allows dogs on leashes from Oct. 2 through April 30.

Beach Haven
Dogs on leashes are good to go from Sept. 16 through May 14.

Belmar
Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach from Oct. 1 through April 30.

Bradley Beach
Here you can bring your dog on the beach from Sept. 16 through April 30 and you can even allow your dog off its leash but only if it is well trained by voice control.

Brigantine Beach
Your dog can be on the north end of the beach all year long. As far as the rest of the beach here, dogs need to be on a 6 foot leash and are welcome from Oct. 1 through May 29.

Harvey Cedars
Dogs properly leashed can enjoy the beach from Sept. 16 through May 29.